George McGregor, 6, stands proudly with the trap he learnt how to make. Photo / Ben Fraser
She says some highlights were seeing parents interacting with their children outside in nature and really spending quality time with them.
"It was also great to meet so many enthusiastic, local young people who want to look after our natural environment for the future generations to come, in particular a young aspiring environmental scientist."
She says between 150 and 200 people attended, and 67 people registered on the day to become "kaitiaki", with all of those people leaving their details so they can continue to be involved.
"Around 25 people helped us to set the traps on the day. Many cannot wait to see the progress of our trapping.
"There was a great family vibe down at Hannahs Bay on the weekend with the water ski event and The Hits Beach Dig, all in one place. It was really buzzing with family-friendly activity."
Rotorua's Faith McGregor says her family went along to the event because her son James McGregor, 10, asked to go after a talk was held at Lynmore School.
"He brought us all along."
She thinks it is great to get children interested in conservation and understanding what it takes to protect the environment.
James says he had fun learning how to build his own trap.
"I enjoy knowing that it's going to be used to catch pests that kill our native animals and plants."
